Frank Donlavey was dedicated soccer coach

Frank George Donlavey, who coached the McMaster University women’s soccer team for more than 12 years, died on Jan. 1 at the Henderson General Hospital. He was 64.

Accomplished as a player and a coach, he was involved with soccer for most of his life. He honed his playing skills on the streets and alleys of Govan/Glasgow, Scotland before embarking on a professional career that took him to pitches in Britain, South America, South Africa, and North America. As his playing days came to a close he directed his dedication to the sport through coaching, mentoring and instructing players and professionals in the field for more than two decades on the provincial and national levels in Canada. While coaching at McMaster, he led the Marauders to four national championship appearances, including a gold medal in 1991 and a bronze medal in 1997. Under his guidance in the early 1990s, McMaster won an impressive 33 consecutive games.

Predeceased by his wife Sheri, he is survived by daughters Amanda “Mandy” (Jared Leonard) and Melissa (Syrus Soltany); his sisters Ann Milne (England), Cathy Mickle and Ellen Dunleavy (Scotland); and brother-in-law Jim Flynn. He was also predeceased by his brother Martin (Scotland) and a sister, Mary Flynn (Hamilton).

Frank will always be remembered by his nieces, nephews and friends for his integrity and great sense of humour. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 3rd at 10 a.m. in the chapel of the Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Avenue East. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. On-line tributes may be made at www.mem.com